Hey guys! Are you looking for a super easy and delicious weeknight dinner? Look no further! This teriyaki beef stir fry recipe is exactly what you need. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it's packed with flavor that the whole family will love. I promise, even if you're not a pro in the kitchen, you can totally nail this one. Let's dive into what makes this recipe so awesome and how to make it.

Why This Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry is a Winner

This easy teriyaki beef stir fry is a winner for so many reasons. First off, it's fast! We're talking about a meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. That's quicker than ordering takeout, and way healthier too! Secondly, it's incredibly versatile. You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. Got some broccoli that's about to go bad? Toss it in! Bell peppers looking a little sad? Perfect for the stir fry! Seriously, this recipe is your chance to get creative and use up those veggies.

Another fantastic thing about this teriyaki beef stir fry is how customizable it is. Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Prefer a sweeter sauce? A little extra honey or brown sugar will do the trick. And let's not forget about the protein. While this recipe calls for beef, you can easily swap it out for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu if you're going vegetarian. The possibilities are endless!

Plus, who doesn't love a good stir fry? It's a complete meal in one pan, with protein, veggies, and a delicious sauce all coming together in perfect harmony. And cleanup is a breeze, which is always a major bonus in my book. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and tasty dinner option, this teriyaki beef stir fry is definitely the way to go.

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's talk about the ingredients you'll need to make this amazing teriyaki beef stir fry. Don't worry, most of them are pantry staples, so you probably already have a lot of them on hand. Here’s the rundown:

• Beef: I usually go for sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain. This ensures that the beef is tender and cooks quickly. But honestly, any cut of beef that's good for stir-frying will work just fine.
• Veggies: This is where you can get creative! I like to use a mix of broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers (any color!), sliced carrots, and snap peas. But feel free to add mushrooms, onions, zucchini, or whatever veggies you love.
• Teriyaki Sauce: You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce to save time, or you can make your own. Homemade teriyaki sauce is surprisingly easy to make, and it tastes so much better than the bottled stuff. I'll include a recipe for homemade teriyaki sauce below.
• Garlic and Ginger: These two are essential for adding tons of flavor to the stir fry. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce. I prefer to use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way in adding a nutty aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the teriyaki sauce and give it a glossy finish.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: These are optional, but they add a nice finishing touch to the stir fry.
• Rice: To serve the stir fry over. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa.

How to Make Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious teriyaki beef stir fry. Trust me, it's easier than you think!

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add the beef to the bowl and toss to coat. This will help to tenderize the beef and give it a nice sear.
2. Prepare the Veggies: Wash and chop all your veggies into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside.
3. Make the Teriyaki Sauce: If you're using store-bought teriyaki sauce, you can skip this step. But if you're making your own, here's how: In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of honey or brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Stir Fry the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the beef and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it's browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
5. Stir Fry the Veggies: Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the veggies and stir fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they're tender-crisp. If the veggies start to stick to the skillet, add a splash of water.
6. Combine Everything: Add the beef back to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the beef and veggies and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and everything is well coated.
7. Serve: Serve the teriyaki beef stir fry over rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Stir Fry

Want to take your teriyaki beef stir fry to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve stir-fry perfection:

• Use High Heat: The key to a good stir fry is high heat. This helps to sear the ingredients and prevent them from steaming. Make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before adding anything.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. If you're making a large batch, it's best to cook the stir fry in batches.
• Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying is a fast cooking process, so it's important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This means slicing the beef, chopping the veggies, and making the sauce.
• Use a Good Quality Skillet or Wok: A good quality skillet or wok will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the ingredients from sticking. I prefer to use a wok because it has sloped sides that make it easy to toss the ingredients.
• Don't Overcook the Beef: Overcooked beef is tough and dry. Cook the beef just until it's browned on all sides. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so don't worry about it being fully cooked at this point.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Taste the teriyaki sauce and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to your liking. You can add more honey or brown sugar for sweetness, more soy sauce for saltiness, or red pepper flakes or sriracha for spiciness.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this teriyaki beef stir fry recipe is that it's so versatile. Here are some variations to try:

• Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry: Substitute the beef with chicken breast or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions.
• Shrimp Teriyaki Stir Fry: Use shrimp instead of beef. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Add the shrimp to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Tofu Teriyaki Stir Fry: For a vegetarian option, use tofu instead of beef. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes. Stir fry the tofu until it's golden brown and crispy.
• Spicy Teriyaki Stir Fry: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the teriyaki sauce for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Stir Fry: Add some chunks of pineapple to the stir fry for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Want to make your own teriyaki sauce? It's super easy! Here's my go-to recipe:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together all the ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.

Serving Suggestions

This teriyaki beef stir fry is delicious served over rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. It's also great served with noodles or as a lettuce wrap filling. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad.

Storage Instructions

Leftover teriyaki beef stir fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or stir fry until heated through.

Conclusion

So there you have it! An easy teriyaki beef stir fry recipe that's perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. It's customizable, versatile, and packed with flavor. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, guys!